NEWSLETTER OF THE John Primer

®

At the Suite •Chamber Graffiti •Aros Volume 21, 2003 Volume 5 – November/December Issue • Mike Murley/David Occhipinti • Julie Mahendran • Primal Orbit Gene Bertoncini • Time Warp • Gene Bertoncini • Mo Lefever Septant with Rhonda Withnell • PJ Perry/Earl MacDonald Quartet • Memorial concert for Zale Martell presented by Kent Sangster and Bob Tildesley • John Primer with the Rusty Reed Band • A Jazzy Christmas: Bobby Cairns Trio and Chandelle Rimmer Julie Mahendran PJ Perry

EJS 11 TOMMY BANKS WAY (Corner of 102 St & 86 Ave) EDMONTON AB T6E 2M2 Memorial concert for Zale Martell presented by Kent Sangster and Bob Tildesley

The Edmonton jazz community lost one of its staunchest supporters two years ago when Zale Martell died suddenly. Described by P.J. Perry as "the man who probably knows more about jazz than anybody else in Edmonton", Zale was for many years a presence at the Yardbird Suite and other jazz venues. He had an amazing ear, and could often tell what musician was playing a horn or other instrument, almost from the first note.

Born in Gary, Indiana, Zale spent his young manhood attending concerts in the Chicago area, where he heard most of the leading players of the day. He moved to Edmonton about 35 years ago, and became an integral part of the jazz community here. He is especially remembered for his encouragement of young musicians and for his own performances - as a jazz whistler - at the Yardbird Suite's Tuesday night jam sessions.

At this special Sunday evening concert, some of Edmonton's finest jazz musicians will be gathering to play a program made up of some of Zale's favorite tunes.

To use one of Zale's favorite expressions, "It should be deadly."

SUNDAY 4 NOVEMBER 30 DOORS 7PM 4 SHOW 7:30PM 4 NO CHARGE

Yardbird Suite 11 Tommy Banks Way (corner of 102 Street & 86 Avenue) Edmonton Jazz Society (1973) Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2M2 11 Tommy Banks Way Phone: (780) 432-0428 Fax: (780) 433-3773 (corner of 102 Street & 86 Avenue) Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2M2 Programming: Adrian Albert,Julie King, Craig Magill, Phone: (780) 432-0428 Frank Peterson, Jasiek Poznanski, Bruce Stovel Fax: (780) 433-3773 Production: Jasiek Poznanski House Managers and Volunteer Co-ordinators: Board of Directors for 2002-2003: Tara Benoit, Leah Wilson President: Tara Benoit Office: Fred Elgert Vice-President: Adrian Albert Transportation: Dwayne Hrynkiw Treasurer: Murray Walford Press Releases: Paul Wilde Secretary: Leah Wilson Jam Sessions: Blake Kinley, Marcus Taylor Shelley Chebry, Norma Davis, Dwayne Hrynkiw, Craig Magill, Yardbird Suite Newsletter is published five times Jasiek Poznanski, Kent Sangster, per year by the Edmonton Jazz Society (1973) David Trump, Doug Zimmerman Memberships: Ken Knight Newsletter Editor: Jasiek Poznanski Littlebirds Directors: Contributing Writers: Adrian Albert, Craig Brenan, Randy Witte Frank Peterson, Bruce Stovel Advertising: Shelley Chebry Yardbird Suite Jazz is a registered Graphic Design: Kim Deley, Critical Path trademark of the Edmonton Jazz Marketing Communications Society (1973). Distribution: Monique Bielech, Shelley Chebry, Bill Harper Printed by: Nisku Printers (1980) Ltd. Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement Yardbird Suite on the Net: # 1516698 www.yardbirdsuite.com From Chamber Graffiti Edmonton This quartet comes together to involved in numerous groups and explore different compositional styles compositional projects, writing for tied together by a shared the Hammerhead Consort, Brian improvisational approach. Each Webb Dance Company and The member brings their own unique and Penderecki Quartet. He has also varied musical backgrounds to the played in and written for a variety of project. The entire evening is unified other groups from jazz and rock to by an overall textural approach the avante-garde. Chamber Graffiti is defining and linking the individual his latest project. pieces The music of Chamber Graffiti This Edmonton-based group utilizes the vast array of sounds features Eric Weiden on trumpet, available to these instruments along Tom Golub on bass, J.C. Jones on with some of the technology trombone and Dave Wall on electric available to the guitar to create music guitar, electric mandolin and fretless that is alternately intense, lyrical, classical guitar. And maybe the humorous and always unavailable acoustic steel string; we’ll see. They elsewhere. met and began playing together two years ago as part of The Improvised Dave Wall - guitar Network (TIN). Golub and Weiden Eric Weiden - trumpet are two of the founding members of J.C. Jones - trombone TIN, Edmonton’s current collective of Thom Golub - bass improvised music and musicians. Jones is a busy freelancer and at FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 7 home in any musical situation, from DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $5/GUESTS $9 ska to free jazz. Wall has been

From Amsterdam AROS Aros’ music is a rhythmically a much in-demand bassist on the compelling blend of jazz, classical and Dutch jazz scene; violinist Anne Wood new music ideas including hints of from England who performs in a tango, minimalism and improvisation. variety of classical, rock and jazz The group is co-led by saxophonist ensembles; and Scottish percussionist Rob Armus and pianist Marion von Alan Purves whose resume includes Tilzer. Their collective influences and work in virtually every style of music experiences span a wide range of imaginable. music from American jazz and Aros released its first self-titled improvised music, to European recording in 2001 on the BVHaast classical and new music, to South label to enthusiastic reviews and then African and South American music. performed throughout Europe and Rob Armus was born in Liverpool North America. The current tour is in but grew up in Vancouver. He began support of their new disc Train Song performing in local bars and pubs at which is being released this fall on the age of sixteen but an interest in Songlines. cutting edge jazz artists like John Funding for this event was Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders, Ornette provided in part by Auke Bijlsma and Coleman and Dewey Redman led him The Fonds voor Amateur en to Europe in 1992 in search of Podiumskunstení. inspiration. He subsequently formed Aros with Marion von Tilzer with the “Aros is tonal, swinging, goal of combining jazz with composed music. inventive new jazz and shouldn’t The Austrian-born von Tilzer is a be missed.” classically-trained pianist who has also - Cadence Magazine performed in musical theatre productions and Dutch new music. Rob Armus - sax The other members of the group Marion von Tilzer - piano include trumpeter John Korsrud who John Korsrud - trumpet SATURDAY 4 NOV 8 is well-known in Vancouver as a Anne Wood - violin DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $10/GUESTS $14 founder of the Hard Rubber Orchestra Sven Schuster - bass and a member of VEJI; Sven Schuster, Alan Purves - percussion

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2003 Page 3 Mike Murley/ Julie Mahendran It is with great pleasure that David Occhipinti jazz vocalist Julie Mahendran returns to the Yardbird Suite to Mike Murley and David titled debut in 1997 and Syzygy celebrate the impending release of Occhipinti began playing as a in 1999. A new disc her first full-length recording Never duo in and around Toronto in ìIntersectionî will be released in Do Without You. 1999. This led to their November of this year. David’s Although she is now based in November 2002 Cornerstone debut disc was described as Toronto, Julie grew up in release of ìDuologueî. The disc “exciting, original, intelligent, Edmonton and was a regular at features five originals and four inventive ... an excellent debut.” the Yardbird during her music standards and presents Murley He studied for several years in studies at Grant MacEwan College. and Occhipinti in a very intimate the mid-1990s with the She then went on to complete her setting for what Toronto Star legendary Jim Hall in Bachelor of Music on scholarship jazz columnist Geoff Chapman New York. Jazz Magazine at Berklee College of Music in calls “a type of chamber jazz also featured him as one of ten Boston. There, she studied with with a sharp edge, with “Guitars on Fire” in their April Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan From pleasing unison passages and 1996 issue. Transfer, and performed the Toronto frequent fine solos.” Both Mike Murley and David standard Remember Clifford for its Mike Murley is justly Occhipinti have performed composer, Benny Golson, during a acclaimed as one of this numerous times at the Yardbird concert in his honor. Julie currently countryís finest saxophonists. Suite in a variety of contexts but performs regularly in Southern and contemporary standards, as ìTwo Sidesî won a 1991 Juno this will be an opportunity to Ontario and looks forward to well as a couple of Julie’s original Award and he has appeared on see and hear these special touring next year in support of her compositions. seven other Juno winners, most musicians in the very new CD. recently 2002 best mainstream challenging duo context. Her current trio comprised of jazz winner ìLive at the Senatorî. voice, bass and drums will be Julie Mahendran - vocals He is a member of the Rob augmented to a quartet for this Mo Lefever - guitar McConnell Tentet as well as concert, which will feature an Don Bradshaw - bass Canadaís premier electric jazz eclectic collection of traditional Dan Skakun - drums group Metalwood. Jazz Report Magazine named his quintet FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 14 disc Conversation Piece best album for 1997. He has been DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $7/GUESTS $11 named Jazz Report’s tenor saxophonist of the year four times and also received the 2002 National Jazz Award for saxophonist of the year. Mike Murley - sax Primal Orbit David Occhipinti has David Occhipinti - guitar released two recordings under Primal Orbit includes some of the on sousaphone. Inspired by the his own name to date, his self- most talented and respected players on Gateway Trio of Dave Holland, John the Vancouver jazz and improvised Abercrombie and Jack DeJohnette, the music scene. The group was originally band incorporated some Gateway formed as a trio in 1990 with Tony compositions as a springboard to Wilson on guitar, Stan Taylor on drums finding their own musical direction. and Brad Muirhead filling the bass role Brad Muirhead began

From Vancouver

From Toronto

THURSDAY4 NOVEMBER 13 DOORS 7:30PM 4 SHOW 8PM 4 MEMBERS $7/GUESTS $11

Page 4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2003 responsible for a large portion of National Jazz Awards. The jazz season the groupís compositions. He isn’t complete at the Yardbird Suite Time Warp received the Jazz Report Composer without at least one group featuring of the Year Award in 1995 and his his immense talents. Time Warp is an anomaly in jazz Trumpeter Kevin Turcotte joined Ellingtonia suite won the SOCAN The newest member of Time - a group that has been together for shortly thereafter. Murley left a Award for Best Original Jazz Warp is saxophonist Kelly Jefferson. more than twenty years. Formed in couple of years ago and the Composition in the same year. He Originally from Regina, Kelly is known 1980 by bassist Al Henderson and saxophone chair has been very ably also leads his own quintet and to Edmonton audiences for his past drummer Barry Elmes as a vehicle assumed by Kelly Jefferson. teaches at York University. appearances here with guitarist Mike for writing and playing their own Time Warp has toured Canada Barry Elmes is very familiar to Rud and for the recent Yardbird original music, they released five infrequently, in 1994 and 1996. Yardbird Suite audiences, having performance of the Jefferson-Grant recordings between 1982 and The current tour celebrates the performed here several times with his Quintet which he co-leads with 1992, three of which garnered Juno quartet’s ninth recording Warp IX own award-winning Barry Elmes trombonist Kelsley Grant. Award nominations. Four more discs which received the Canadian Quintet. He is also a Jazz Report Time Warp has forged a unique have followed. Music Week Indie Award for Best award winner, being the first artist to style and original repertoire, Bob Brough was the original Jazz Recording of 2002. The disc receive its Musician of the Year award. drawing on musical and cultural saxophonist in Time Warp when the is an eclectic romp through nine In addition, his quintet received the influences from around the world group performed as a trio. Upon his wide-ranging compositions by all 2002 National Jazz Award for while still firmly rooted in the long departure more than fifteen years four members of the group. Acoustic Group of the Year. Like all of tradition of improvised jazz music. ago, Mike Murley joined the group. Bassist Al Henderson is the members of Time Warp, he is a jazz educator in Toronto. Kevin Turcotte is Canada’s most highly sought-after jazz trumpeter and has probably earned more awards than any other trumpeter in the Barry Elmes - drums country. He is an eight time Jazz Al Henderson - bass Report Trumpeter of the Year winner Kelly Jefferson - sax and in 2002 won again at the Kevin Turcotte - trumpet From Toronto Gene Bertoncini SATURDAY 4 NOV 22 New York-based guitarist DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $12/GUESTS $16 Gene Bertoncini is a favorite of discerning jazz aficionados in Edmonton, having performed here on numerous occasions during the experimenting with a horn section in craft in very challenging and fluid Jazz City International Jazz Festival, the late 1990s in order to facilitate settings. Musicians from around the and at the Yardbird Suite. fuller arrangements of the original world also perform there on a regular A virtuoso of the jazz guitar, material the group was playing. The basis, both with their own groups and Gene is also a brilliant classical current four horn configuration was with members of the local scene. This and Brazilian guitarist. Major jazz formalized in 1999. has enabled the members of Primal influences include Wes Having performed regularly on the Orbit to gain invaluable experience as Montgomery and Barney Kessel. west coast for the past few years, improvisers, section players, During his stellar career, he has Primal Orbit is now branching out composers and bandleaders. The performed with the likes of with the release of their first CD result is a group which draws on Benny Goodman, Gerry Mulligan, Ignition in November of last year and many years of experience to play a Lena Horne, Clark Terry, and the current tour of Canada. distinctive and intense repertoire in an Wayne Shorter as well as working Their music has been described as effortless, cohesive and “no holds in the studio bands of the Merv “high energy, outer-space power barred” manner. Griffin Show and the Tonight jazz.” With a hard-hitting sound, the Show starring Johnny Carson. group builds its musical explorations He is a master of melodic on a healthy respect for the jazz playing, displaying a tradition. Their all-original material contemplative and understated varies in mood and style, from straight- beauty in his impeccable ahead to far from the beaten track. performances. Gene plays to a Vancouver is internationally Brad Muirhead - trumpet full house so get your tickets recognized as a hotbed of improvised J.P. Carter - trumpet early for his performance. music. There are numerous different Dave Say - sax Afterwards, Gene will head to groups such as the New Orchestra Saul Berson - sax Winnipeg to complete his From Workshop and VEJI where local Tony Wilson - guitar Western Canada tour before New York musicians are able to perfect their Paul Blaney - bass heading home to New York City. Stan Taylor - drums

SATURDAY 4 NOV 15 FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 21 DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $10/GUESTS $14 DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $18/GUESTS $22

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2003 Page 5 Mo Lefever’s Septant From Edmonton featuring Rhonda Withnell Mo Lefever’s Septant is returning to the Yardbird Suite for another night of creative and groovalicious music. Once again, Rhonda Withnell will be providing beautiful vocal interpretations of compositions ranging from Miles Davis to Milton Nascimento. Although the stellar lineup remains relatively the same, we are excited to have Bryan Sim and Gord Graber filling the piano and drum roles this time around. November 28 promises to be an aural experience the listener won’t soon forget.

Mo Lefever - guitar Rhonda Withnell - vocals Bob Tildesley - trumpet Brett Miles - sax Bryan Sim - piano, keyboards Shantel Koenig - bass Gord Graber - drums Dwayne Hrynkiw - percussion

FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 28 DOORS 7:30PM 4 SHOW 8PM 4 MEMBERS $6/GUESTS $10

PJ Perry/Earl MacDonald Quartet It is a fortunate circumstance for us that another award-winning group on the Justin Keyano College in Fort McMurray is staging a Time label. Jazz Festival from November 27 to 29 Pianist Earl MacDonald is a Winnipeg because three of its guest artists and native who is currently the Director of Jazz From clinicians, Earl MacDonald, Mike Downes and Studies at the University of Connecticut. A Edmonton/ Ted Warren, will be joining P.J. Perry to protege and former student of Kenny Barron perform at the Yardbird Suite. at Rutgers University, Earl’s composition Toronto As Canada’s top alto saxophonist, P.J. Wanton Spirit was featured as the title track Perry has been the recipient of many awards: of a Barron CD which was nominated for a a 1993 Juno Award for Best Jazz Recording Grammy Award. Earl was also the Musical for his disc My Ideal; his 1999 recording P. J . Director for Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Perry and the Edmonton Symphony Nouveau for a couple of years. Orchestra was also nominated for a Juno Bassist Mike Downes has performed or Award; a multi-time winner of the Jazz recorded with virtually all of Canada’s top Report Magazine’s Alto Saxophonist of the musicians, some of whom include Diana Year; and, most recently, Saxophonist of the Krall, Oliver Jones, Renee Rosnes, Ed Bickert, Year at the 2003 National Jazz Awards. Pat LaBarbera and Jane Bunnett. He has also Further recognition for P.J. is now recorded with John Abercrombie, Peter occurring with the release of his CD Worth Erskine and Dave Liebman as well as Waiting For on the internationally-distributed performing with many other international Justin Time label. He is joined by the top- jazz greats. Jazz Report Magazine calls him notch rhythm section of Kenny Barron, “...one of Canada’s immensely talented Chuck Deardorf and Victor Lewis for a set of young giants.” swing and bop standards. Ted Warren has a solid reputation as a P.J. has shared the stage with countless musical, versatile drummer. An active member jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody of Canada’s jazz scene, his performance Shaw, Pepper Adams, Tom Harrell and Kenny credits include work with most of the top Wheeler. He has performed his Joy of Sax Toronto-based performers. He was also the presentation with symphony orchestras drummer for Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass and across the country. In addition, he is currently can be heard on several of their CDs. a member of the Rob McConnell Tentet,

P.J. Perry - sax SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 29 Earl MacDonald - piano DOORS 7:30PM 4 SHOW 8PM 4 MEMBERS $14/GUESTS $18 Mike Downes - bass Ted Warren - drums

Page 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2003 “The ghost of Elmore James appears John Primer on stage with Primer.” –Big City Blues with the Rusty Reed Band At a young age John Primer skills as a songwriter, rhythm guitarist From became fascinated with blues music and lead slide player. In 1995, he left Chicago that he heard on the radio. He started Magic Slim to start his solo career. playing guitar at the age of nine . He His most recent release Blue Steel, first appeared on stage at the local a Tribute to Elmore James on Wolf baptist church, and played at house Records, is his tenth solo album. John’s parties and fish frys in his hometown intention is to ensure Elmore James area of Camden, Mississippi. and his music are remembered. John migrated to Chicago in 1963. He has performed at many major He initially played in his own bands. By festivals both as a sideman and as a the early seventies John was in the bandleader; this year he played the house band at world famous Theresa’s Nottoden Festival in Norway, the Blues Lounge on the South Side. During his to Bop Festival in Switzerland, the eight years there he played with Chicago Blues Festival,and the King Sammy Lawhorn, Junior Wells, Buddy Biscuit Blues Festival among others. Guy, Smokey Smothers , Lonnie Brooks John’s strong traditionalist blues and many others. phrasing, smoking slide technique and John took a gig working as a vast repertoire of songs backed by the sideman for bassist Willie Dixon in Rusty Reed band will make for a great 1979. It was during this time that weekend of blues at the Yardbird Suite. Muddy Waters saw John playing in Rusty Reed has been described as Mexico City, and six months later Canada’s premier blues hamonica Muddy asked him to join his band. This player. He is known to Edmonton was a dream come true for John. John audiences as a member of the learned how to play “deep down and Edmonton Folk Music Festival’s house dirty blues” from Muddy. Muddy also band for 14 years, and has two of his taught him how to play slide guitar, own recordings out. He will have the and about the music business. John solid backing of local blues veterans stayed in Muddy Waters band until Gary Bowman on piano; Ron Rault on Muddy’s passing in 1983. bass; and Dave Bjarnson on drums. John Primer - guitar, vocals For the next 14 years, he toured Rusty Reed - harmonica the world with Magic Slim and the FRI & SAT 4 DEC 5-6 Gary Bowman - piano Teardrops,continuing to develop his DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $12/GUESTS $16 Ron Rault - bass Scott Anderson - drums A Jazzy Christmas Bobby Cairns & Chandelle Rimmer

Yardbird Suite is happy to invite you to department at Grant McEwan Community Bobby Cairns - guitar this year’s edition of ‘A Jazzy Christmas’. Be College here in Edmonton. Chandelle Rimmer - vocals prepared for a “jazzy” and “classy” Performing with Bob Cairns is Chandelle Cliff Minchau - bass Christmas as we welcome Bobby and Rimmer, one of Edmonton’s best-kept Tom Doran - drums Chandelle once again to the Suite. secrets. Her performing career spans more Bob Cairns is an award winning guitarist than two decades, itís only recently that sheís (1978 Juno and 1987 ANPEA,) who stepped out to become the jazz vocalist to epitomizes what is meant by the term hear. If you ask her, she would say that sheís “complete guitar player.” His chordal more rooted in the jazz tradition but her changes are subtle yet complex, and are style has more depth. From beautiful, lyrical always there regardless of where his melody ballads to hard swinging grooves and skilled and improvisation takes him. Bobby has vocal improvisation, Chandelleís voice is studied with Jim Hall, Barney Kessel and Joe flexible, innovative and highly expressive. Her Pass, as well as the late Lenny Breau. These vocal improvisation has been compared to experiences, combined with his exceptional such artists as Ella Fitzgerald and Deedee talent have given him a unique sound that Bridgewater. makes every performance memorable. In This jazzy evening will really start your addition to performing, he heads the guitar Christmas season on a positive note! From Edmonton FRI & SAT 4 DEC 12-13 DOORS 8PM 4 SHOW 9PM 4 MEMBERS $10/GUESTS $14

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2003 Page 7 Yardbird Suite at a Glance All shows begin at 9pm unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 9 Chamber November Graffiti Aros Friday • November 7 Saturday • November 8 Mike 10 11 12 Murley/ 16 David Julie Primal M with Occipinti JA csy Mahendran Orbit ce Moha Show: 8pm Bru o Comb Thu • Nov 13 Friday • November 14 Saturday • November 15 17 18 19 20 23 with Gene Time JAM li ominel Bertoncini Warp Dino D artet Qu Friday • November 21 Saturday • November 22 24 25 26 27 Mo Lefever Memorial PJ Perry/Earl h Septant with Concert for M wit MacDonald Zale Martell JA ick Rhonda endr Quartet Show: Jeff H Withnell 7:30pm mbo Co Friday • November 28 Saturday • November 29 Sunday • November 30

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 2 7 h John Primer AM wit J olm- December with the Rusty Reed Band orben H T son Peder Friday & Saturday • December 5 & 6 8 9 10 11 14 th JAM wi A Jazzy Christmas Andrew Bobby Cairns & Chandelle Rimmer ver Trio Glo Friday & Saturday • December 12 & 13

For more information about this month’s performers, please visit the following websites:

AROS www.arosmusic.com DAVID OCCHIPINTI www.davidocchipinti.com MIKE MURLEY www.mikemurley.com JULIE MAHENDRAN www.juliemahendran.com TIME WARP www.cornerstonerecordsinc.com P.J. PERRY www.pjperry.com EARL MACDONALD www.earlmacdonald.com

THE YARDBIRD SUITE IS A CONCERT VENUE. During the show, please turn off your cell phones and pagers. For upcoming shows visit www.yardbirdsuite.com